Gordon James Kelly Sr

December 14, 1933 - August 30, 2017

Gordon James Kelly Sr

December 14, 1933 - August 30, 2017

Obituary

Gordon was born to Robert and Emma Kelly on December 14, 1933. He started school in Alberni later graduating from Mt. Baker High in 1954. He spent six years in the US Marine Corp, from 1954 to 1960, where he worked as a helicopter mechanic. Upon returning home he worked with Z Brothers Logging until 1968. Gordon enrolled in a New Careers program where he did on the job training as classes. His first job was Food Stamp intake in Bellingham and Lummi, next move was to Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. He was transferred to the Mount Vernon office after 25 years, and he retired from the Bellingham office. When NRC opened, his friend talked him into working as a Tribal Gaming Agent for 9 1/2 years. The Veteran job for the Nooksack Tribe became available.

As a Veterans liaison officer, he traveled with the Lummi Totem Poles to Shanksville, PA, and the Pentagon. He was the Commander for the American Legion Post #83 for a number of years. After retiring from the Nooksack Legion position, he and his wife Sadie moved to Lummi. As an elder he was able to attend classes at NWIC including NWIC Space Center. He took a computer class built robots and rockets. He began with bottle rockets and progressed to competitions with his class at NASA and Las Cruces, NM.

He married Sadie in 1963 and had two brats and a boy. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Arnold, Clifford and James Kelly; sister Juanita. He is survived by his wife Sadie of 54 years; daughters Sharon and Patti; son Gordon Jr.; granddaughter Kelli; brother Robert Kelly Sr. and numerous nieces and nephews .A Prayer service will be Fri., Sept. 1, at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be Sat., Sept. 2, at 9:00am. Both services at Wexliem Community Building.

Funeral Service

  • Date & Time: No Date & Time
  • Venue: Wexliem Community Building
  • Location: 2100 Lummi View Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)

Prayer Service

  • Date & Time: No Date & Time
  • Venue: Wexliem Community Building
  • Location: 2100 Lummi View Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)

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9 responses to Gordon James Kelly Sr

  1. He was a wonderful and intelligent person who touched many lives. I have very fond memories of him during the softball years with Sadie and the family. May he Rest In Peace.

  2. Joa Corbitt says:

    Dear Sadie, Sharon, Patty, Gordon and Kelly,
    I am holding you all in my heart as you celebrate the husband, father and grandfather that Gordon was to you. As I knew him he was a dignified wise man and a deeply patriotic warrior.

    My thoughts and prayers will be with you for finding peace and comfort.

  3. Dear Sadie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. Tell the stories of his life and keep his spirit alive in the world.
    Ellyn Erickson

  4. Tim Shepherd says:

    My condolences to Sadie and the family, whom I have known for almost 30 years through the Mt. Baker School District. My first reflection of Gordon was a gentle, soft spoken, humble, and honorable man. My perception never changed, and I always welcomed his quiet smile. Thinking of you, Sadie and the love you two shared. May there be peace in your time of remembrance. tim

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